AN ARMED robber used an air pistol to hold up the Kingshill service station, Wiltshire Police said. 

Detectives said the man, who was wearing a face covering and dark hooded top, made off with cash and cigarettes in the robbery at 10pm on Easter Sunday. 

Det Insp Chris Feerick said:  "This was an extremely frightening experience for the member of staff. Fortunately they were unharmed but were very shaken by the incident."

At around 10pm on Sunday, a man dressed in black entered the shop and threatened a member of staff with what was believed to have been an air-pistol.  He took cash and cigarettes before leaving the scene on foot. 

The man was described as around 5ft 6ins tall, of medium build and with an English accent.

He was wearing black jeans, a dark hooded top with the hood up, a face covering and glasses, gloves, black trainers with white soles and three white stripes on the side. 

The suspect was said to have arrived on foot from the direction of Wootton Bassett Road. 

Police said they believed a driver who dropped another man off at the petrol station shortly before the robbery may have seen the suspect. 

In an appeal for witnesses, Det Insp Feerick said: "We would like to speak to anyone who may have heard or seen anything suspicious in this area around this time yesterday evening.  

"Perhaps you saw a male dressed all in black who looked out of place? 

"We are particularly keen to speak to the driver of a car who dropped off a male passenger who then attended the petrol station shop just before the robbery.  The vehicle drove off in the same direction from where the suspect arrived and it's possible the driver may have seen the offender walking towards the Esso garage.  

"We'd also like to speak to anyone living in the area who may have CCTV on their property or anyone driving through the area last night who may have dash cam footage of the incident or offender.  Please contact us if that is you. 

"People living in this area will notice a large police presence today as we continue to carry out our enquiries.  If you have any concerns please speak to one of our officers at the scene."

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Wiltshire Police on 101.